Middle East Live Blog: Defense Minister Gallant Expected in US

Israel's Defense Minister Gallant will soon leave for the United States. Another incident occurred in the Red Sea.

The Israeli army announces a daily tactical pause in its military operations for humanitarian purposes. These last from 5am to 4pm and run from Kerem Shalom Crossing to Salah Al-Din Road and northwards from there.

The British Maritime Trade Organisation, UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations), reports a new incident in the Red Sea. The incident took place 40 nautical miles south of Al Muqa, Yemen, and an investigation has been launched.

According to the US Department of Defense, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Galant is expected to attend talks in the US soon. Gallant accepted an invitation from his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, last Tuesday and will arrive in Washington “soon,” Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said.

The exact date of the visit has not yet been determined, Ryder said. The meeting is scheduled to “further discuss current security developments in the Middle East.” The US government has been trying for months to reach a cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. In late May, US President Joe Biden presented a draft agreement for an “immediate and complete” cease-fire, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported.

Tens of thousands of people again demonstrated in Israel for the release of the hostages and against the government. According to the Israeli military, eight soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip.